International Schools Probe Alternatives To Ministry’s Foreign Student Threshold Rules

International schools in Addis Ababa seek an alternative to a new rule from the Ministry of Education requiring them to shift to the local curriculum if more than 70 percent of their students are Ethiopian nationals.

The Ministry recently disclosed that only six of 46 registered international schools meet the 30 percent foreign student threshold, with officials instructing schools who do not meet the criteria to adopt what they call “Curriculum Plus” (the national curriculum supplemented by additional content) or shut down entirely.

The move has drawn fierce criticism from schools and parents, who have been engaged in a series of talks with Education officials in hopes of reversing the decision. Opponents argue it contradicts the General Education Proclamation amended last year, which sets the availability of international curricula as the only precondition for a school to qualify as international.

During a panel today featuring school administrators, and legal and education professionals, participants  also raised concerns about the national curriculum, citing its emphasis on memorization, language limitations, and lack of continuity.

Habtamu Bazezew, a lawyer and parent, said a complaint has been filed with the Ministry of Justice to halt ratification if discussions fail. He added the case could proceed to court if discussions are not successful and the Education Ministry’s proposed directive is ratified.

Officials appear willing to make some concessions.

Dr. Ashenafi Beza told The Reporter that a parent-led team of education experts is currently working on an alternative curriculum with the approval of Education Minister Berhanu Nega (Prof.).

The alternative, dubbed “International Plus,” would integrate Ethiopian identity into existing international frameworks through subjects such as civics, geography, and history, according to its proponents.

Further discussions are expected this week.